Key Dates for Census 2010 Data
ByThe U.S. Census Bureau begins sending out census forms next month. And because so many of you utilize our U.S. Census and GeoCoding database services and products, we know there is a great deal of interest in when the 2010 information will be made available. To keep you informed we put together a key dates list for this year’s U.S. Census Bureau activities as well as the availability of Census 2010 data and updated GeoCoding information. Below the date list is an interesting fact sheet provided to us by the U.S. Census Bureau. Dates are approximate except those required by law.
Census 2010 Key Dates and Peacock Data Release Schedule (data release dates are in bold)
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| March 2010 | Census forms are mailed or delivered to households |
| April 2010 | Census takers visit households that did not return a form by mail |
| December 2010 | By law, the Census Bureau delivers population information to the President for apportionment |
| December 2010 | Peacock Data releases new GeoCoding data to prepare customers for Census 2010 data releases the following year |
| January 2011 | Peacock Data releases initial Census 2010 data |
| March 2011 | By law, the Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states |
| June 2011 | Peacock Data releases initial Summary File 1 (SF1) 100% counts |
| December 2011 | Peacock Data releases initial Summary File 2 (SF2) 100% counts |
U.S. Census Bureau Fact Sheet
What is the U.S. census?
Every 10 years, the government reports the number of people who live in the United States by conducting a count called the census. This count is required by the U.S. Constitution.
Why is the U.S. census count necessary?
Census data are used to determine the number of representatives your state receives in the U.S.
Congress, as well as your county’s representation in the state legislature. Government agencies
use the data to make funding decisions for more than $300 billion each year, including:
- Title 1 allocations
- College grant and loan programs
- Public transportation
- Road and community improvements
- Public health services and hospitals
- Neighborhood improvements
- Senior services
How is the 2010 Census taken?
- Census questionnaires are given to everyone living in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The information is collected in two ways: by a questionnaire that is sent to every home, and through confidentiality-bound census workers who travel door-to-door.
Who should be counted?
Everyone! All children, babies, and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of
nationality, citizenship status, race, age, or gender.
Why are some people reluctant to be counted?
The U.S. Census Bureau believes these are the most common deterrents to census participation:
- Privacy: Some people are reluctant to give the government personal information.
- Confidentiality: Some people worry that the information they provide could be used against them. However, census information is completely confidential. It is never shared with other government agencies, including the IRS, any office of immigration, or the FBI. Sharing census data is a federal offense.
- Immigration and citizenship concerns: People may not want to draw attention to themselves. However, every person in every home should be counted as part of the census.
